Today, my strong, smart, funny and caring mother passed away. She had just turned 70 years old and fought hard until the very end.
These past few days and weeks have been so hard, but it really is amazing what a family can endure. Although her body was diminished by years of fighting cancer, her mind was sharp until the end and for that I am thankful. I’m also thankful to have been by her side with my brothers and to have been able to ease the burden for my dad. I’m thankful that my kids will remember her as Omi; the Omi who read stories and planted gardens and didn’t like riding in Gondolas. I’m thankful for the extraordinary care she received; her doctors, nurses and therapists couldn’t be kinder, more caring people. Without them, we’d have been lost and this fight would have ended long ago.
In my minds eye, I don’t see Mum as she was these last few days. Rather, I will remember her as someone who loved being in her garden, reading, her friends, her family. Who was opinionated and very, very strong willed and who occasionally scared my friends. Who loved her grandchildren and all their silly antics. She was so proud of all of us.
She isn’t suffering anymore and I’m sure that wherever she is, it’s most likely by a beach, enjoying a cigarette, a scotch and the sun.
The SMO's stories 
Sending you & yours our love & support. We miss you! Xxoo Marnie & family
so sorry Chris. she was so lovely.
Sorry to hear the news. She certainly put up an amazing fight. A beautifully written tribute. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Loren and Margot Allen
Beautiful tribute.
She was so strong under adversity and so loving and caring with family and friends.
God Bless her !!!
I remember her and those two big bouvier dogs! She keeped telling me they were friendly but they keeped nipping me! And pushing me around! I’m sure she was laughing!
I am so sad and sorry to hear this news. My thoughts are with you all at this time x
Dear Christine,
My sympathies to you and your family, especially Nick, Alex and your Dad. Your blog made me smile, remembering how as a child I was TERRIFIED of your mother at the Boat Club and how as an adult I was lucky enough to get to know her better and share many a good laugh (starting with some good ones at the Polo store). What a wonderful woman. I will be thinking of you all, Lucy
P.S. Thanks for sharing the pictures.
Dear Christine,
My deepest condolences to you, your father, and your brothers. She WAS an amazing lady, whom I shall never forget. It’s so sad that she had to suffer so much, but she gave us all an incredible example of courage.
Thank you for sharing your tribute as well as the photos.
So sorry to hear. Condolences to you and your family.
To Christine, Nick, Alexander, Michel: Erica and I spent some fun, some not-so-fun, and some frustrating times together with her computer over the years. We shared grandchildren photos and stories. She loved being able to communicate through email and the pictures were so precious to her. I will miss her ! My sympathies for your great loss… Nancy
Hey Calvinette, et tes frères et à ton père, mes plus sincères sympathies….Je n’ai qu’un vague souvenir d’une dame réservée et à la fois “flyée”lors mes séjours à Knowlton, mais ce que je sais c’est qu’elle avait une belle personnalité dont tu as sue tirer de belles qualités à intégrer dans les valeurs de ta vie quotidienne… Au revoir Madame Érica et merci de nous avoir fait connaître Christine!
The words you wrote are also very touching to me cause my Dad is going bit by bit in a grey zone and I found it very difficult to stay strong when the one you look up to is becoming a responsability like almost a child, and to check on my own mom and guessing if she’s really saying what she feels and needs….
But hey, life’s still beautiful, like you, I’m living in the most beautiful part of the world! And the trick is to capture the meaningful sides of it, like the splenders of nature, our parents, our family and our friends,,,,
BIG HUG, Happy, late, BIRTHDAY.
LOVE YA
GROVER XXX
Hey Calvinette, et tes frères et à ton père, mes plus sincères sympathies….Je n’ai qu’un vague souvenir d’une dame réservée et à la fois “flyée”lors mes séjours à Knowlton, mais ce que je sais c’est qu’elle avait une belle personnalité dont tu as sue tirer de belles qualités à intégrer dans les valeurs de ta vie quotidienne… Au revoir Madame Érica et merci de nous avoir fait connaître Christine!
The words you wrote are also very touching to me cause my Dad is going bit by bit in a grey zone and I found it very difficult to stay strong when the one you look up to is becoming a responsability like almost a child, and to check on my own mom and guessing if she’s really saying what she feels and needs….
But hey, life’s still beautiful, like you, I’m living in the most beautiful part of the world! And the trick is to capture the meaningful sides of it, like the splenders of nature, our parents, our family and our friends,,,,
BIG HUG, Happy, late, BIRTHDAY.
LOVE YA
GROVER XXX
Sometimes these miniature dogs are also referred to as teacup varieties.
The West Highland White Terrier is a small dog breed that
loves children to bits. They have triangular ears and these are small by comparison
to the rest of their body also being erect.